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PGC-1 and inflammatory response in muscle

This article shows a proinflammatory role of PGC-1.It is robust and well done. However, considering the whole knowledge about this issue it must be emphasized that in general it remains uncertain whether there is really a role for PGC-1 in inflammatory processes.

Published data are controversial as mentioned also in this article. The different results are probably due to technical problems and resulting misinterpretations.

I would like to highlight quickly some points and sources of artefacts that might alter the outcome of experiments:- Use of adenovirus without ensuring equal multiplicity of infection and then changes in markers of inflammation due to different inflammatory stimuli through different viral loads.- Use of adenovirus which results in massive, completely unphysiological overexpression of PGC-1 and then induction of abnormal interactions.- Use of adenovirus and then metabolic stress because of the massive hypermetabolism through PGC-1 and the stress of producing such high amounts of protein.- Use of adenovirus with flags and then improper folding of the protein and altered abnormal interactions.-Use of antibiotics in cell culture-Use of anesthesia (Fluran-based (Isofluran, sevofluran etc). In some experiments they increased the levels of PGC-1, in others the opposite effect was observed. cf. Lucchinetti E et al Anesthesia and Analgesia 2007. Also, the hypermetabolism in transgenic animals allow faster removal of the drugs.-Elevated angiogenesis in transgenic animals results in altered delivery and removal of inflammatory stimuli.-Use of anflammatory stimuli (lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor alpha), which alter PGC-1 expression Tang K et al JCP 2009, Chen XH et al Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011-Generally very low levels of macrophages in skeletal muscle. One more or less makes a huge difference although it's not of physiological relevance.

RE: PGC-1 and inflammatory response in muscle

I only agree partially.This article lacks novelty. In the title 3 points are mentioned. First, that PGC-1 affects myokines, but this has been shown already by Handschin et al JCI 2007. Second, that PGC-1 promotes lipid droplet accumulation, but this has been shown as well by Summermatter et al JBC 2010. Third, that PGC-1 leads to glycogen accumulation, but this has also been shown by wende et al JBC 2007.In the text they then refer to another point which is PGC-1 and inflammation. This point has to be critizised the most. Olesen at al have shown this as well, that PGC-1 increases TNF release.Moreover, skeletal muscle is NOT really a tissue involved in inflammation. The release of cytokines by other tissues is by amplitudes higher. There is no physiological relevance of these findings

RE: PGC-1 and inflammatory response in muscle

I only agree partially.This article lacks novelty. In the title 3 points are mentioned. First, that PGC-1 affects myokines, but this has been shown already by Handschin et al JCI 2007. Second, that PGC-1 promotes lipid droplet accumulation, but this has been shown as well by Summermatter et al JBC 2010. Third, that PGC-1 leads to glycogen accumulation, but this has also been shown by wende et al JBC 2007.In the text they then refer to another point which is PGC-1 and inflammation. This point has to be critizised the most. Olesen at al have shown this as well, that PGC-1 increases TNF release.Moreover, skeletal muscle is NOT really a tissue involved in inflammation. The release of cytokines by other tissues is by amplitudes higher. There is no physiological relevance of these findings